Special day in store for all at historic Standedge Tunnel

YOU will surely be familiar with the rolling hills and picturesque grey brick architecture of the beautiful Pennine countryside in Marsden… but have you ever come across the hidden waterways gem that is Standedge Tunnel?

Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre

The 200-year-old, Grade II-listed Standedge Tunnel is considered one of the ‘Seven Wonders Of The Waterways’ and is certainly one to tick off the bucket list since it is Britain’s ‘longest, deepest and highest canal tunnel’.

If you ever find yourself on the Transpennine Express from Manchester to Huddersfield, you will inevitably spot the iconic red arch door of the Standedge Tunnel Visitor Centre, which used to be the warehouse.

These days it is serves a very different purpose, telling the fascinating history of the tunnel through its family-friendly, interactive exhibition space.

It was Sir Benjamin Outram, consulting engineer for the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, whom was responsible for the design of the tunnel in 1794.

It was built to provide a link between Huddersfield and Oldham, beneath the great moors. It took many years and the hard work of many engineers to bring it to life, leaving the legacy of an extraordinary story to be told.

Stanedge Tunnel – Canal & River Trust (Picture: Jason Lock)

Fast forward to present and Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre, owned by the Canal & River Trust, is a fantastic day out for all the family, enjoyed by thousands every year.

Guided 30-minute boat trips into the tunnel are available from March 30 until October 28, giving you the chance to get your hard hats on and embark upon a thrilling journey with a few interesting facts and secrets along the way. Ever wondered where the phrase ‘legging it’ came from?

Children can enjoy the indoor soft play area and outdoor adventure play area or learn how to do some pond dipping.

Or take advantage of the great outdoors on the local nature trail or towpath walk. The resident ducks, Jemima and Duncan, are a sure fire hit with the little ones.

Feeling peckish? You’ll find the wonderful Watersedge Café situated on the edge of the canal in the old Tunnel End cottages.

Enjoy a Yorkshire brew and a slice of cake or take your pick from a brand-new lunch menu boasting delicious wraps, soups, sandwiches, paninis and jacket potatoes. What’s more, you can eat in the comfort of the café or outdoors in the picnic area on sunnier occasions.

Standedge Tunnel host a variety of events throughout the year including their popular bank holiday Beer & BBQ.

Yorkshire Yogi

And this summer they will host the very first ‘Huddersfield Yoga & Wellbeing Festival’ on Saturday, August 11.

The full day, family event is being brought to life by owner and founder of Yorkshire Yogi, local entrepreneur Kelly Thistlethwaite.

The impressive programme is crammed with over 60 sessions delivered by amazing instructors and professionals from across Yorkshire. This will include yoga, Pilates, CrossFit, circuits, nutrition talks, Zumba and much more!

There will also be a focus on mental health and wellbeing with mindful walks, chill out areas and meditation classes.

Event-goers can enjoy a bite to eat from vegan and vegetarian food vendors or browse a selection of stalls selling everything from yoga clothing and essential oils to arts and crafts.

Huddersfield Yoga & Wellbeing Festival will take place from 11am – 9pm on Saturday, August 11 at Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre.

For more information or to buy tickets, go online to www.yorkshireyogi.com or email: kelly@yorkshireyogi.com